Engineering and manufacturing industries

Micro cells detect polluting gases

Article Abstract:

Leeds University academics, Derek Fray and Vasant Kumar have developed an electrolytic sensor for detecting poisonous gases. The device has developed from their research into solid-state sensors. The first sensor has provided reliable readings of carbon dioxide over a three month test period. The device is equally suitable for detecting hydrogen chloride, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The technique could be applied to testing vehicle emissions. Cheap mass production should be achievable.

Micro fluidics imitate blood vessels

Article Abstract:

Medical equipment company Carri-Med and Hatfield Polytechnic are jointly researching the development of a device for studying biological fluids using an array of micro-machined channels etched in silicon. The device has been found to be suitable for studying single blood cells so that early signs of some diseases can be detected. The technology could also be useful for industrial fluid analysis and in mechanical engineering applications.